Conservatorship of K.M. CA3

BACKGROUND

At a hearing on the petition for reappointment of a conservator, Dr. Olga Ignatowicz, a doctor at Placer County Mental Health, testified as an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. She was familiar with K.M. from personal evaluation, a review of K.M.’s medical records, and a review of declarations by Carolyn Mohr, M.D. and Eduardo Morales, M.D. supporting the petition. Dr. Ignatowicz agreed with the diagnoses by prior physicians who worked with K.M. Dr. Ignatowicz said K.M. had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and dementia with behavioral disturbances. In addition to her mental disorder, K.M. had a pacemaker and 15 other diagnoses, and had been prescribed 21 medications. Regarding K.M.’s current mental status, Dr. Ignatowicz testified that K.M. “remains in partial remission; however, she continues to display some cognitive deficits and residual psychosis.” Dr. Ignatowicz concluded that K.M. was unable to provide for

2 her food, shelter, and clothing, and further opined that despite K.M.’s assertions, it was questionable whether K.M. would voluntarily accept treatment for her mental disorder. K.M. told Dr. Ignatowicz the…